/or/ distinctions: TOUR

[Steve K.]

On Fri, 14 Apr 2000 RonButters at AOL.COM wrote:

> One more query along this line: in my pronunciation, TOUR usually has the
> vowel of BOOT (sometimes,  in rapid speech, that of GIRL), but I notice
> easterners (?) who use the vowel of BOAT or even BOUGHT. What is the
> geographical distribution of /tur/ vs. /tor/?

I (Northern Cities) use both /tur/ and the unfortunate past tense /turd/.

How do you all even begin to know what you say anymore? I pick up
linguistic residue like a sponge. I've used the 'needs ---ed' construction
ever since I learned about it. My vowels have gone all over the map (and
the quality of my stack/stock vowels have gotten much less Michiganlike
ever since I moved out east).

About the only thing I'm certain of is the nativeness of my positive
anymore and 'boughten' - because I've heard my parents use it - but beyond
that,  I'm a sponge.

How do you filter out this effect when judging your own native speech,
other than having friends tape recording you when you don't realize it?

--- Steve K.